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Spring Car Maintenance Checklist: Essential Tips for a Smooth Ride

Blog, Car Maintenance, Spring, Top 5 / / / , , ,
A red car drives down a winding asphalt road surrounded by lush greenery and sunlight, symbolizing spring car maintenance and seasonal driving tips.

Spring Car Maintenance Checklist: Essential Tips for a Smooth Ride

Spring is the perfect time to get your car ready for warmer weather. Winter conditions can take a toll on your vehicle, so a spring maintenance check helps ensure a smooth, safe ride while preventing costly repairs. Kelley Blue Book recommends keeping a detailed service record and scheduling a routine checkup every six months. Here’s what you can do:

A woman crouches beside her car, checking the tire pressure with a gauge to ensure safe spring driving and proper vehicle maintenance.

1. Check Your Tire Pressure

Winter weather can cause tire pressure fluctuations and excessive tread wear, making driving conditions unsafe. Before hitting the road this spring:

  • Adjust tire pressure to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI to maintain stability and fuel efficiency.

  • Check tread depth using the penny test—if Lincoln’s head is visible, it’s time to replace your tires.

  • Rotate tires to promote even wear and extend their lifespan, ensuring better grip and performance.

2. Change Oil & Filters

Oil lubricates the engine, preventing overheating and damage to vital components. Seasonal changes are an ideal time for an oil change.

  • Change the oil and oil filter every 3,000–5,000 miles or per your vehicle’s manual to keep your engine running smoothly.

  • Replace air filters to improve airflow, enhance fuel efficiency, and prevent engine strain.

  • Check and replace the cabin air filter, which helps maintain clean air inside the vehicle.

A close-up of a person pouring fresh motor oil into a car engine, demonstrating the importance of regular oil changes for spring vehicle maintenance.
A close-up of a person pouring fresh motor oil into a car engine, demonstrating the importance of regular oil changes for spring vehicle maintenance.

2. Change Oil & Filters

Oil lubricates the engine, preventing overheating and damage to vital components. Seasonal changes are an ideal time for an oil change.

  • Change the oil and oil filter every 3,000–5,000 miles or per your vehicle’s manual to keep your engine running smoothly.

  • Replace air filters to improve airflow, enhance fuel efficiency, and prevent engine strain.

  • Check and replace the cabin air filter, which helps maintain clean air inside the vehicle.

Water sprays off a car windshield, creating a rainbow effect in the sunlight, symbolizing the freshness of spring car maintenance.

3. Inspect Wiper Blades & Fluids

Spring showers can reduce visibility, making properly functioning wipers and topped-off fluids essential.

  • Replace worn-out wiper blades if they leave streaks or squeak against the windshield.

  • Refill windshield washer fluid to ensure a clear view in rainy conditions.

  • Check coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid levels, and top them off as needed to maintain performance.

4. Inspect Your Breaks

Brakes are crucial for safety, and winter conditions can accelerate wear. Be sure to:

  • Listen for squeaks, grinding, or clicking noises, which could indicate worn brake pads.

  • Check for vibrations or delayed braking response, which may suggest rotor warping or uneven wear.

  • Schedule a brake inspection to ensure pads, rotors, and fluid levels are in optimal condition.

A driver’s foot presses down on a car pedal, emphasizing the importance of brake checks and safe driving habits for spring travel.
A driver’s foot presses down on a car pedal, emphasizing the importance of brake checks and safe driving habits for spring travel.

4. Inspect Your Breaks

Brakes are crucial for safety, and winter conditions can accelerate wear. Be sure to:

  • Listen for squeaks, grinding, or clicking noises, which could indicate worn brake pads.

  • Check for vibrations or delayed braking response, which may suggest rotor warping or uneven wear.

  • Schedule a brake inspection to ensure pads, rotors, and fluid levels are in optimal condition.

A mechanic in a blue uniform tests a car battery using a diagnostic tool, ensuring the vehicle is ready for springtime driving.

5. Test Your Battery

Cold weather weakens battery power, increasing the likelihood of unexpected failures. To keep your car starting reliably:

  • Test battery voltage at a local auto shop—many offer free battery checks.

  • Inspect battery terminals for corrosion and clean them with a wire brush if needed.

  • If your battery is over three years old, consider replacing it to avoid breakdowns.

6. Clean & Protect Your Car

Spring is the perfect time to wash away winter grime that can cause rust and deterioration.

  • Wash your car thoroughly, including the undercarriage, to remove salt buildup that leads to corrosion.

  • Apply wax to protect your vehicle’s paint from UV rays, rain, and debris.

  • Vacuum and wipe down the interior, removing accumulated dust and moisture to prevent mold growth.

A man washes the tires of a black car, scrubbing off dirt and road salt as part of a spring vehicle cleaning routine.
A man washes the tires of a black car, scrubbing off dirt and road salt as part of a spring vehicle cleaning routine.

6. Clean & Protect Your Car

Spring is the perfect time to wash away winter grime that can cause rust and deterioration.

  • Wash your car thoroughly, including the undercarriage, to remove salt buildup that leads to corrosion.

  • Apply wax to protect your vehicle’s paint from UV rays, rain, and debris.

  • Vacuum and wipe down the interior, removing accumulated dust and moisture to prevent mold growth.

Why Spring Car Maintenance Matters

Seasonal maintenance keeps your car safe, efficient, and reliable, reducing the risk of costly repairs. A well-maintained car enhances fuel efficiency, improves driving safety, and prolongs the life of essential components. By following this spring checklist, your vehicle will be road-trip ready for the season ahead.

Interested in other ways to keep you car running at peak performance?

Check out our other helpful blog posts:

Spring Car Maintenance Checklist: Essential Tips for a Smooth Ride Read More »

Car windshield covered in snow with 'Winter Check' written on it.

Top 5 Winter Car Maintenance Tips for Peak Performance

Blog, Car Maintenance, Top 5, Winter / / / , , , ,
Car windshield covered in snow with 'Winter Check' written on it.

Top 5 Winter Car Maintenance Tips for Peak Performance

Winter brings icy roads and dropping temperatures, making it challenging to keep your car running at peak performance. Cold weather affects everything from your tires’ health to your fuel lines. To ensure you stay safe on the road and your vehicle performs at its best, follow these essential winter car maintenance tips to keep your leased vehicle in top condition:

Person checking tire pressure with a gauge on a snow-covered car tire in winter to ensure safe driving.

1. Check Your Tire Pressure

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Winter Weather Driving Tips, it’s important to regularly check your tire pressure, especially when temperatures fluctuate. Cold weather plays a significant role in the health of your tires. For every 10 degrees the temperature drops, tire air pressure falls by one pound per square inch (PSI). What does this mean? When it’s cold outside, the air inside contracts and your tires become under-inflated, affecting how well they grip the road and making your car harder to handle. Keeping the correct PSI—found in your car’s owner manual—will ensure your vehicle handles safely and efficiently during the winter months.

Close-up of a car's tires driving through a snow-covered road in winter.

2. Replace Any Worn Tires

Tire tread is also essential for gripping the road, especially in slick winter conditions. Think of tire tread as the grooves on a shoe sole—the deeper the grooves, the better the traction. Worn tires increase the risk of sliding or losing control on icy roads. The NHTSA recommends regularly checking tire tread and age for optimal safety on the road. To stay safe and keep your vehicle performing at its best, replace any tires with worn tread. New tires not only provide better traction but also improve overall safety and handling during winter. For a more in-depth explanation on the importance of these checks, you can take a look at the NHTSA’s tire safety guidelines.

2. Replace Any Worn Tires

Tire tread is also essential for gripping the road, especially in slick winter conditions. Think of tire tread as the grooves on a shoe sole—the deeper the grooves, the better the traction. Worn tires increase the risk of sliding or losing control on icy roads. The NHTSA recommends regularly checking tire tread and age for optimal safety on the road. To stay safe and keep your vehicle performing at its best, replace any tires with worn tread. New tires not only provide better traction but also improve overall safety and handling during winter. For a more in-depth explanation on the importance of these checks, you can take a look at the NHTSA’s tire safety guidelines.

Close-up of a car's tires driving through a snow-covered road in winter.
Older couple warming up inside a car during winter, adjusting the car’s heater.

3. Monitor Your Heater and Defroster

Your car’s heater and defroster are crucial for staying safe during winter driving. Make sure both are in working order so that your windows stay clear and your cabin warm. Always allow your car to warm up and fully defrost your windshield before driving to ensure optimal visibility and safety.

Close-up of a car’s coolant reservoir with antifreeze liquid during winter.

4. Prevent Freezing of Fuel Lines and Engine’s Cooling System

Cold temperatures can cause fuel lines and the engine’s cooling system to freeze, leading to serious damage. To prevent this, keep your fuel tank sufficiently filled to avoid freezing water from accumulating in the tank. Additionally, regularly check your antifreeze levels to ensure the engine’s cooling system is functioning properly. This not only protects your car during the winter but also prevents costly repairs down the line.

4. Prevent Freezing of Fuel Lines and Cooling System

Cold temperatures can cause fuel lines and the engine’s cooling system to freeze, leading to serious damage. To prevent this, keep your fuel tank sufficiently filled to avoid freezing water from accumulating in the tank. Additionally, regularly check your antifreeze levels to ensure the engine’s cooling system is functioning properly. This not only protects your car during the winter but also prevents costly repairs down the line.

Close-up of a car’s coolant reservoir with antifreeze liquid during winter.
Smiling woman brushing snow off her car with a snow brush during winter.

5. Stock Your Car with Winter Essentials

It’s important to keep your car equipped with the right tools for winter driving. Always have an ice scraper and snow brush on hand to clear snow and ice from your vehicle before driving. According to the NHTSA’s Winter Weather Driving Tips, you should also carry essential items like a flashlight, jumper cables, and blankets for safety during emergencies. Regularly replace windshield wipers to keep your windshield streak-free and ensure good visibility during snowfall. Keeping your car stocked with these essentials will help you stay prepared for unpredictable winter weather.

Interested in other ways to keep you car running at peak performance?

Check out our other helpful blog posts:

Top 5 Winter Car Maintenance Tips for Peak Performance Read More »

Game Day Ready: Tailgate Prep Tips for Your Vehicle

Blog, Car Maintenance, Fall, Top 5 / / / , , ,
People gathering around vehicles at a tailgate event during sunset, with cars packed and ready for game day.

Game Day Ready: Tailgate Prep Tips for Your Vehicle

As summer fades and fall approaches, it’s time to get ready for the excitement of tailgate season. Just like a quarterback sets the tone, your game day experience starts with your vehicle.

A person checking tire pressure on a vehicle during fall, surrounded by autumn leaves, as part of pre-game tailgate preparation.

Pre-Game Warm-Up: Fall Maintenance Tips

Preparing your vehicle is essential to ensure your tailgate goes off without a hitch. Take advantage of the remaining warm weather to handle fall vehicle maintenance—check tire pressure, rotate tires, and prep for those crisp autumn drives. Consider this your pre-game warm-up.

Packing Smart: Your Tailgate Hub

Tailgates often feel like mini camping trips, so packing smart is essential. Your trunk becomes the ultimate tailgating hub—your end zone—ready to accommodate fold-up tables, grills, and coolers. Use storage bins and Tupperware as your defensive line against spills, keeping everything organized and secure during those slippery turns over fallen leaves.

A car trunk packed with essential tailgate supplies, including coolers, bags, and water jugs, ready for a game day event.
A car trunk packed with essential tailgate supplies, including coolers, bags, and water jugs, ready for a game day event.

Packing Smart: Your Tailgate Hub

Tailgates often feel like mini camping trips, so packing smart is essential. Your trunk becomes the ultimate tailgating hub—your end zone—ready to accommodate fold-up tables, grills, and coolers. Use storage bins and Tupperware as your defensive line against spills, keeping everything organized and secure during those slippery turns over fallen leaves.

A group of friends enjoying a tailgate BBQ, grilling food and socializing before a game.

Don’t Forget the Basics: Game Day Essentials

Don’t let the joyful chaos of game day make you forget the essentials. A surprise rain shower could blitz your tailgate, so be prepared with weather gear, a first aid kit, and cleaning supplies stowed behind your backseat. Tackle chilly winds with a spare blanket and gloves, and keep trash bags and paper towels on hand to make cleanup a breeze—this is your post-tailgate strategy.

Navigating the Game Plan: Route and Parking Information

A few wrong turns during the daily grind might be no big deal, but on game day, missing an exit can throw off your entire experience. Pre-program your GPS and familiarize yourself with the facility’s parking lots. This tailgate prep ensures you coordinate efficiently with your squad, making it easy to find your spot before the game and, most importantly, plan your escape route when it’s all over.

Driver using GPS navigation system to plan a route, ensuring smooth travel to a tailgate event.
Driver using GPS navigation system to plan a route, ensuring smooth travel to a tailgate event.

Navigating the Game Plan: Route and Parking Information

A few wrong turns during the daily grind might be no big deal, but on game day, missing an exit can throw off your entire experience. Pre-program your GPS and familiarize yourself with the facility’s parking lots. This tailgate prep ensures you coordinate efficiently with your squad, making it easy to find your spot before the game and, most importantly, plan your escape route when it’s all over.

A group of friends taking a selfie at a tailgate event, enjoying the pre-game festivities with smiles and excitement.

Arrive Early: Scoring the Perfect Tailgate Spot

With your car packed and ready, the final play is to arrive early. Tailgating is all about the pre-game excitement, so secure your spot by showing up 4-5 hours before kickoff. Choose prime territory on flat ground with easy restroom access, and back in your vehicle to create the ultimate huddle for seating, grilling, and serving your team. With everything in place, you’re ready to score the perfect tailgate.

If you’re a fan of prepping for the seasons, check out our blog on The Top Winter Car Maintenance Tips to see how the fundamentals of vehicle care apply year-round. Whether it’s fall or winter, keeping your vehicle in top shape ensures you’re always game day ready.

Game Day Ready: Tailgate Prep Tips for Your Vehicle Read More »

A man putting luggage into the trunk of his car.

How To Prepare for a Road Trip

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A man putting luggage into the trunk of his car.

How To Prepare for a Road Trip

Road trips can be one of the most exciting and memorable experiences in your life. But before hitting the road, it’s important to ensure that your car is in good shape and ready to handle the journey ahead. Here are some things to remember as you prepare your car for a road trip:

A man checking the tire pressure of a tire on his car.Inspect Your Car

Whether you inspect your car yourself or bring it to a professional, it’s a good task to check off your list first. Pay special attention to your brakes, tires, and battery. The brakes are one of the most critical safety features of your car, and it’s important to ensure that they’re working correctly before embarking on a road trip. If you hear any unusual sounds or notice any issues with your brakes, schedule a visit to a mechanic.

Likewise, tires are one of the most crucial parts of your car. Check the tire pressure, tread depth, and overall condition of all the tires, including the spare. Make sure to inflate the tires to the recommended pressure and replace any worn-out tires. In addition, make sure your car’s battery is in good condition, as you don’t want to find yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere with a dead battery.

Don’t forget to take the time to wash your car! A clean car not only looks better, but it can also help you identify any potential issues that may have gone unnoticed previously. Remove any clutter, vacuum the floors and seats, and clean the windows to make sure you have a clear view of the road ahead.

Check the Fluids

It’s essential to ensure that all the fluids are at their appropriate levels and that there are no leaks. Before hitting the road, make sure to check all the fluids in your car. These include transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid and, of course, oil. Road trips can be tough on the engine, and fresh oil can help keep it running smoothly. If you’re due for an oil change, schedule it before your trip, or if it’s too soon for a full oil change, at least top up the oil to the recommended level.

A young couple on a road trip, with the girl looking at a paper map.Plan and Prepare

It’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially on a road trip. Remember to bring all the necessary documents for your car, such as your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. Additionally, packing an emergency kit can help you prepare for unexpected situations. Include items like a first aid kit, a flashlight, blankets, jumper cables, and a tire repair kit.

Planning your route before you hit the road can also help you avoid getting lost and save you time. It’s a good idea to have a backup route in case of unexpected road closures or detours. Don’t forget to bring a physical map or print out directions in case you lose service or your GPS fails.

When it Doubt, Get a Tune-Up

If you’re unsure about the condition of your car or haven’t had a tune-up in a while, schedule an appointment with a mechanic. A professional can help identify any potential issues and ensure that your car is in top shape for your road trip.

In conclusion, preparing your car for a road trip is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your car is ready to handle the miles ahead. Safe travels!

How To Prepare for a Road Trip Read More »

The Best Books About Cars

Blog, Pop Culture, Top 5 / / / , ,
People gathering around vehicles at a tailgate event during sunset, with cars packed and ready for game day.

Game Day Ready: Tailgate Prep Tips for Your Vehicle

As summer fades and fall approaches, it’s time to get ready for the excitement of tailgate season. Just like a quarterback sets the tone, your game day experience starts with your vehicle.

A person checking tire pressure on a vehicle during fall, surrounded by autumn leaves, as part of pre-game tailgate preparation.

Pre-Game Warm-Up: Fall Maintenance Tips

Preparing your vehicle is essential to ensure your tailgate goes off without a hitch. Take advantage of the remaining warm weather to handle fall vehicle maintenance—check tire pressure, rotate tires, and prep for those crisp autumn drives. Consider this your pre-game warm-up.

Packing Smart: Your Tailgate Hub

Tailgates often feel like mini camping trips, so packing smart is essential. Your trunk becomes the ultimate tailgating hub—your end zone—ready to accommodate fold-up tables, grills, and coolers. Use storage bins and Tupperware as your defensive line against spills, keeping everything organized and secure during those slippery turns over fallen leaves.

A car trunk packed with essential tailgate supplies, including coolers, bags, and water jugs, ready for a game day event.
A car trunk packed with essential tailgate supplies, including coolers, bags, and water jugs, ready for a game day event.

Packing Smart: Your Tailgate Hub

Tailgates often feel like mini camping trips, so packing smart is essential. Your trunk becomes the ultimate tailgating hub—your end zone—ready to accommodate fold-up tables, grills, and coolers. Use storage bins and Tupperware as your defensive line against spills, keeping everything organized and secure during those slippery turns over fallen leaves.

A group of friends enjoying a tailgate BBQ, grilling food and socializing before a game.

Don’t Forget the Basics: Game Day Essentials

Don’t let the joyful chaos of game day make you forget the essentials. A surprise rain shower could blitz your tailgate, so be prepared with weather gear, a first aid kit, and cleaning supplies stowed behind your backseat. Tackle chilly winds with a spare blanket and gloves, and keep trash bags and paper towels on hand to make cleanup a breeze—this is your post-tailgate strategy.

Navigating the Game Plan: Route and Parking Information

A few wrong turns during the daily grind might be no big deal, but on game day, missing an exit can throw off your entire experience. Pre-program your GPS and familiarize yourself with the facility’s parking lots. This tailgate prep ensures you coordinate efficiently with your squad, making it easy to find your spot before the game and, most importantly, plan your escape route when it’s all over.

Driver using GPS navigation system to plan a route, ensuring smooth travel to a tailgate event.
Driver using GPS navigation system to plan a route, ensuring smooth travel to a tailgate event.

Navigating the Game Plan: Route and Parking Information

A few wrong turns during the daily grind might be no big deal, but on game day, missing an exit can throw off your entire experience. Pre-program your GPS and familiarize yourself with the facility’s parking lots. This tailgate prep ensures you coordinate efficiently with your squad, making it easy to find your spot before the game and, most importantly, plan your escape route when it’s all over.

A group of friends taking a selfie at a tailgate event, enjoying the pre-game festivities with smiles and excitement.

Arrive Early: Scoring the Perfect Tailgate Spot

With your car packed and ready, the final play is to arrive early. Tailgating is all about the pre-game excitement, so secure your spot by showing up 4-5 hours before kickoff. Choose prime territory on flat ground with easy restroom access, and back in your vehicle to create the ultimate huddle for seating, grilling, and serving your team. With everything in place, you’re ready to score the perfect tailgate.

If you’re a fan of prepping for the seasons, check out our blog on The Top Winter Car Maintenance Tips to see how the fundamentals of vehicle care apply year-round. Whether it’s fall or winter, keeping your vehicle in top shape ensures you’re always game day ready.

The Best Books About Cars Read More »